At the midpoint of Advent and Lent, rose vestments are traditionally worn as a sign of joy: Gaudete Sunday (the third Sunday of Advent) Laetare Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Lent) We rejoice at the midpoint because we are half-way through the preparation and anticipate the coming joy of Christmas or Easter.
All posts tagged Liturgical Colours
Liturgical Colours: A Summary – The Purple
Violet or purple is used during Advent and Lent as a sign of penance, sacrifice and preparation. Purple vestments may also be used for Masses of Christian Burial or Masses for the Dead. Some parishes use a different shade of purple to differentiate the (usually) darker purple used for Lent.
Liturgical Colours: A Summary – The Green
Green symbolises hope and life, just as the hint of green on trees in early Spring arouses the hope of new life. Green is used during the liturgical season called Ordinary Time. This season focuses on the three-year period of our Lord’s public ministry, and the Gospel passages, particularly on Sundays, recount His teachings, miracles,…
Liturgical Colours: A Summary – The Red
Red has a dual imagery: On one hand, red symbolises the shedding of blood and is therefore used on Palm Sunday (when Christ entered Jerusalem to prepare for His death) Good Friday, any other commemoration of the Lord’s passion The votive Mass of the Precious Blood The days marking the martyrdom of the apostles (except…
Liturgical Colours: A Summary – The White and The Gold
White or gold, a colour symbolising rejoicing and purity of soul. It is worn during the liturgical seasons of Christmas and Easter. White vestments are also used for feasts of our Lord (except those pertaining to His passion), the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels, and the saints who were not martyrs. White vestments are also…
Liturgical Colours: A Summary – Introduction
The Church’s liturgical norms do prescribe specific vestment colours for various celebrations. The purpose of utilising different colours for vestments is twofold: First, the colours highlight the particular liturgical season and the journey of the faithful through these seasons. Second, the colours punctuate the liturgical season by highlighting a particular event or particular mystery of…